Everton hopes of signing Arsenal’s Giroud gone if Bayern enter race

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How frustrating would it be for Everton if Bayern Munich follow up reported interest in Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud?

Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League group A match against SL Benfica.

One of the main reasons many believe Everton have struggled so far this season is because of their failure to adequately replace Romelu Lukaku following his move to Manchester United.

The Toffees are just two points outside the Premier League relegation zone and have exited the Europa League and Carabao Cup after a poor run of form that saw Ronald Koeman sacked as manager.

No player has managed to fill the void left by Lukaku, who scored 87 goals in 166 games for the club, but it perhaps could all have been so different if they succeeded in their attempts to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League group H match against Crvena Zvezda.

“I had the opportunity to leave,” Giroud told French TV station Canal Plus last month, as quoted by Sky Sports.

“I was very close to another English club, Everton. But I think I made the best choice.”

That choice was to remain at the Emirates Stadium despite the arrival of club record signing Alexandre Lacazette, with Giroud having failed to start a league game since as a result.

Alexandre Lacazette comes off for Olivier Giroud during the Premier League match between Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth.

Opting to sit on the bench for the Gunners rather than be a regular starter at Goodison Park must be galling for the Merseysiders, but it could become even moreso if Bayern Munich make a move for the 31 year old – which German Publication Bild reports is a possibility.

The reigning Bundesliga champions are seeking a backup for topscorer Robert Lewandowski and could view Giroud as the ideal candidate, despite Lewandowski’s request for a “young, hungry” forward.

If Bayern enter the race then any slim hopes Everton had of reigniting the pursuit of the France international would surely be over and deciding not once, but twice, to be a substitute rather than a key player for the Toffees would be supremely frustrating.